News

$10 million in agriculture grants now available

General Oct. 2, 2018



Local jobs in rural and regional Queensland will receive a boost thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s new $10 million Rural Economic Development Grants Program.

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Steps to success with tree crop nutrition

Fertilisers & nutrition Sept. 29, 2018



Correct nutrition management is essential for achieving high yields of quality macadamias and avocados and most growers work with a local agronomist to help them manage and refine their fertiliser programs.

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Mango peel could help clean up oil contamination

Mangoes Sept. 27, 2018



Mango peel could be used to break down oil sludge, according to new research.

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Chinese tastebuds go nuts for Toowoomba produce

Nuts Sept. 27, 2018



Darling Downs pecan and macadamia processor Stahmann Farms has cracked the Asian market, with their specially branded products set to hit shelves in more than 1800 stores across China thanks to the support of the Palaszczuk Government.

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Apricot taste test will determine if there is still an appetite for an Australian apricot industry

Stone Fruit Sept. 25, 2018



The future of the Australian apricot industry is likely to rest on the success of new varieties designed with improved flavour and ability to grow in the Australian climate.

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Tracing activity uncovers new citrus canker detection

Citrus Sept. 24, 2018



Another citrus canker detection has been made in the Northern Territory as a result of essential tracing activities by the citrus canker emergency response team.

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Mango season heats up in Northern Territory

Mangoes Sept. 21, 2018



The mango season is ramping up in the Northern Territory with growers sending thousands of trays to markets around Australia.

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Fungal fingerprint uncovered in chestnut study

Nuts Sept. 20, 2018



Scientists have discovered a fungal fingerprint for a disease that cost Australia’s chestnut industry more than $5m in 2016.

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New project to transform future of north’s mango industry

Mangoes Sept. 18, 2018



A new project promising to transform the productivity and profitability of the north Australian mango industry, has been unveiled at a meeting of the north’s top producers in the Burdekin.

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Rising water prices to hit almond, avocado, citrus and grape farm values, warn valuers

Almonds Avocado Citrus Sept. 17, 2018



Rising water prices to hit almond, avocado, citrus and grape farm values, warn valuers

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Apple disease control critical

Pome fruit Disease & weed control Sept. 16, 2018



As a major disease threat in his orchards, Victorian apple producer Brad Fankhauser knows how critical it is he carefully manages black spot. Mr Fankhauser, who farms near Drouin in Gippsland, says even in a relatively dry season black spot can be a threat, however the introduction of Luna Sensation fungicide to his program in the 2015/16 season proved to be a gamechanger.

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Stronger biosecurity measures to manage stink bug risks

Insect & mite control Sept. 14, 2018



Australia has implemented stronger offshore biosecurity measures for the upcoming brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) season, to manage risks associated with this significant cargo pest. Head of biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Lyn O’Connell, said BMSB are a threat to agricultural industries and the environment, feeding on over 300 different plant species.

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Mango box that transformed Australia's horticulture industry

Mangoes Packaging & labelling Sept. 13, 2018



In the early 2000s, a cardboard box emerged from a workshop in the Northern Territory. It had a unique design and would go on to shape the future of Australia's fruit and vegetable industries. One of its developers, David Hoseason-Smith, received due recognition in July, winning an innovation award at the Northern Australia Food Futures Conference in Darwin.

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'Bee Prepared' - Testing and building Australia’s Varroa defence

Flowering, thinning & PGRs Sept. 12, 2018



Government and industry stakeholders from across the country are taking part in one of the nation’s largest biosecurity exercises to help Australia bee prepared to manage a potential varroa mite incursion.

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Tasmania's fruit fly restrictions could mean fewer local cherries at Christmas

Cherries Sept. 9, 2018



Tasmanians will be unable to purchase cherries prior to Christmas from any growers within the fruit fly control zone, unless biosecurity restrictions are relaxed.

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